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Preston
North End v West Bromwich Albion
Deepdale, Preston.
8th January 2005, 3.00pm. |
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Match
Preview |
 |
 |
| Result |
Preston North End |
0 - 2 |
West Bromwich Albion |
| Scorers |
None |
Robert Earnshaw (76)
Robert Earnshaw (83) |
| Attendance |
13,005 |
| Teams |
4-4-2
1 - Andy Lonergan (GK)
2 - Graham Alexander
33 - Robert Kozluk
20 - Chris Lucketti
15 - Youl Mawene
4 - Dickson Etuhu
17 - Eddie Lewis
16 - Paul McKenna
11 - Chris Sedgwick
9 - Patrick Agyemang
29 - Joe O'Neill |
4-4-2
(GK) Russell Hoult - 1
Martin Albrechtsen - 14
Neil Clement - 19
Darren Purse - 6
Paul Robinson - 3
Ronnie Wallwork - 24
Jonathan Greening - 8
Andy Johnson - 10
Robert Earnshaw - 34
Zoltan Gera - 11
Geoff Horsfield - 9 |
| Substitutes |
12 - Gavin Ward (GK)
22 - Claude Davis
27 - Alan McCormack
24 - Tyrone Mears
32 - Mark Jackson |
(GK) Tomasz Kuszczak
- 29
Thomas Gaardsoe - 4
Riccardo Scimeca - 2
Jason Koumas - 7
Rob Hulse - 17 |
| Substitutions |
M Jackson for J O'Neill
(67)
T Mears for C Sedgwick (84) |
R Hulse for G Horsfield
(19)
J Koumas for J Greening (73) |
| Yellow Cards |
None |
Rob Hulse (80)
Martin Albrechtsen (85)
Jason Koumas (90) |
| Red Cards |
None |
None |
| Referee |
G Laws (Tyne & Wear) |
Bryan Robson has finally
got his first win as Baggies manager as a brace from Robert Earnshaw
saw Albion through to the fourth round to meet Tottenham Hotspur
at the Hawthorns. Albion left it late with both goals coming inside
the last fifteen minutes, but they had rarely looked in danger at
any point during the match.
The visitors had controlled much of the game but had failed to find
the cutting edge required to grab the lead. Much to the anger of
many Albion fans, Jonathan Greening was withdrawn with seventeen
minutes to go, being replaced by Jason Koumas. It's true that Greening
has been Albion's most consistent player this season, but it was
Koumas who provided the ammunition that brought the first goal just
three minutes after his introduction. He broke down the left and
whipped an excellent cross in for Earnshaw to stab home.
Seven minutes later, the victory was assured. A long clearance from
Russell Hoult was missed by the home defence and, with North End
'keeper Lonergan advancing, Earnshaw nipped in and produced a perfect
lob from an angle to grab his second goal of the match.
So Albion extended their unbeaten run to four games which should
hopefully boost their confidence that little bit more. This was
a potentially tricky tie, although the absence of Lilywhites' top
scorer Richard Cresswell was obviously a huge blow for the home
side. A defeat could've put the Baggies back to square one of their
mini-recovery, the victory has strengthened it still further.
The Baggies now face two televised matches at Craven Cottage and
home to Manchester City before they face Spurs in the fourth round.
They are both big games and if they can put another four points
on the board before the end of the month, Albion will go into a
do-or-die February in a much stronger position, with much more confidence.
The following marks have been provided by Alex Tilsley.
Marks
Russell Hoult - 7 - He kept a clean sheet, what more can you ask
for! Came for many corners & looked very comfortable; however, he
still needs to work on his kicking & general distribution.
Martin Albrechtsen - 7 - Has been a surprise choice at right back
but he showed he is not one footed. Made some fine forward runs,
hopefully Robson will persevere with him as he showed potential.
Neil Clement - 9 - MOM. Commanding in the air & on the ground, hopefully
Robson will hand him a chance to make this position his own. Excellent
distribution, but not afraid to get forward either.
Darren Purse - 7 - One minute he looked like an assured Premiership
defender, the next he looked like a Conference player. Very inconsistent,
however he seems to be getting an understanding with Clement, distribution
improved, he didn't seem to always rely on a 'hoof'.
Paul Robinson - 7 - Solid game with some hard tackles. He seems
to have good understanding with Greening, but was often slow to
get himself forward & support him.
Ronnie Wallwork - 8 - Where have you been for the past year?! Another
excellent game from Ronnie, his fitness is improving match by match;
it's nice to see a central midfielder who can get forward, but also
has the ability to defend.
Jonathan Greening - 8 - Unlucky to be taken off, had the beating
of the Preston right back all day....with ease! Good partnership
with Robinson.
Andy Johnson - 6 - Seems to be improving under Robson with an occasional
pass forward today, a few good tackles but not much else.
Robert Earnshaw - 8 - Scored 2 goals, which he is there to do. Looked
quiet for the first 70 minutes where his hold up play was not the
best. First goal came from a Koumas cross, Earnie beat the defender
to tap in from 6 yards, and the second was an excellent lob from
the edge of the area.
Zoltan Gera - 9 - Looked a class apart when on the ball, caused
the Preston full back all kinds of problems in the air and with
attacking, jinking runs.
Geoff Horsfield - 5 - Didn't last long in a game where he could've
made a mark, went off injured.
Rob Hulse - 6 - Had 70 minutes to shine & did ok. Held the ball
up well on occasions, but also looked a little lightweight, not
sure if he's done enough to push for a first team place.
Jason Koumas - 7 - When he eventually came on he provided the goal
with an excellent run & cross down the left wing. Made a reckless
tackle towards the end, needs to clam himself down & concentrate
on playing football!!
Bryan Robson - 8 - Crowd got on his back for bringing off Greening
for Koumas, but this proved to be an inspired move as Koumas set
up the goal. His first win, hopefully we can build on this & gain
in confidence.
Jon Want, 10th January 2005.
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